Infocart

Abstract

Place active and dynamic electronic displays in front of shopping carts to attract customer attention. Content of these active displays can be changed quickly and easily. Information from central or local computer is transmitted through base stations to the display units using wireless technology. The computer uses an integrated software solution to manage and support signage management. The electronic displays have unique addresses therefore the system allows for transmission of information to single display units or groups of units. Display units may also store a set of pre-transmitted messages. Battery and power generator coupled to cart's wheel provide power to display units, eliminating need of battery replacement.

1 . The proposed utility patent makes the shopping cart an extremely effective advertising and information display medium.  
     
     
         2 . Use of cart motion to power the display units eliminates the need of battery replacement and makes the product virtually maintenance free.  
     
     
         3 . The system uses wireless technology. This allows the carts to be anywhere in or around the store and still receive information updates for the display units fixed on them. The information is transmitted from the computer that allows for real-time/dynamic updates. Message updates may also be triggered by cart location. Display units may also store a set of pre-transmitted messages.  
     
     
         4 . Displays on the shopping carts can be updated individually or in groups. This allows for flexibility to have each shopping cart displaying a different message, groups of carts displaying different messages or all of them displaying the same message.